Sustainable Kitchen Sink Accessories and Attachments

Whether you're washing the big farmer's market haul or chopping produce, sink accessories and attachments help make food prep easier. Find rinsing bowls in durable, food-approved plastic and colanders that slot in over the sink.

Affordable, new kitchen sinks are not completely eco-friendly because they are made of materials like stainless steel (which requires iron ore, a non-renewable resource). But these accessories and attachments can improve your sustainability in the kitchen.

Rinsing Bowls

Kitchen sinks are a huge part of the household, and most aren’t eco-friendly. They’re usually made of stainless steel, which requires a lot of energy and raw materials to make—including iron ore that’s mined from the earth at gnarly open-pit mines. That said, some companies make a variety of stainless steel sinks that are eco-friendly. These are all sourced from recycled steel, or at least partly from recycled steel—Elkay’s Revere line of sinks is 80% recycled stainless steel. Properly cared for, these can last generations.

Stainless steel sinks are also popular because they’re easy to clean and don’t stain easily. Other options for a new sink include porcelain-enameled cast iron, copper and concrete or granite composite sinks. The latter two aren’t renewable, and copper sinks require a fair amount of copper ore to make, as well as energy to melt the metal into a shape. Most of these are not as eco-friendly as a good old stainless steel sink, but they’re still better than most.

Some newer sinks come with built-in drainboards, which are ridged areas in the bottom of the sink that can hold dishes and prevent them from falling into the puddles that can collect underneath the sink. They’re also available as a separate add-on for most sinks, and they can be very cheap to buy. However, if you choose this option, be careful: unless the sink has been thoroughly cleaned and polished, it may leak or smell, and could harbor bacteria.

There are also sink mats that go over your sink and protect it from food scraps, puddles and water spots. Some are cheap plastic, while others are a bit more expensive and have rubber edges for a nonslip grip. They’re an eco-friendly way to keep your sink clean and smelling fresh, and they can help you save on water bills as well.

You can also find a stainless steel colander that slots in over your sink for washing veggies or letting flatware dry after a big meal. The rust resistant stainless steel will help you avoid the chemicals used in most conventional detergents, which can seep into our groundwater and create health issues.

Colanders

A colander is a must-have kitchen sink accessory for washing and draining fruits, vegetables, grains, and pasta. They’re also great for rinsing those fresh blueberries you picked up at the farmers market, removing seeds from your homemade raspberry jam, and sifting flour when baking.

Colanders are available in a wide variety of sizes and styles, making them a versatile addition to any kitchen. They’re often made of stainless steel, which is durable and rust-resistant. Other materials that are popular in colanders include plastic and silicone, both of which are BPA-free. Some colanders are collapsible or foldable, which can help save space in your cabinets when not in use.

When shopping for a new colander, consider the size and number of holes. Colanders with larger holes will be better suited for larger foods like potatoes and pasta, while colanders with smaller holes are more suited to rinsing finer foods such as vegetables and salad greens. Also consider how the colander sits in your sink basin, with some featuring a base that elevates the bottom of the basket and others having feet or raised rings that allow them to rest securely on your kitchen counter.

In our tests, we found this lightweight colander to be easy to maneuver and hold even when it was full of pasta or a pile of delicate veggies. It features elongated holes that drain quickly and efficiently, and its soft, rubberized grips are comfortable on your hands. We also liked that it didn’t tip easily, which is important for keeping your hands out of the sink while draining food.

Another option that’s both lightweight and spacious is this BPA-free plastic colander from OXO. It’s got a large capacity (our testers used it to wash a full load of pasta and to rinsing the contents of several different sized bowls), and its flexible construction allows you to fit it into a smaller pot or pan. It’s dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning it a breeze.

If you’re looking for something more stylish, check out the copper colanders from Native Trails. They’re handcrafted by artisans around the world and can be customized to suit your style. They’re a great way to add a splash of color and personality to your kitchen while earning points toward LEED certification for your home.

Magnetic Lids

The kitchen sink has become a workstation, and a full suite of accessories helps homeowners keep the sink tidy while cooking. These items can also help make it more sustainable, minimizing the amount of food and other materials that are sent to the landfill.

The most popular sinks in America are made of stainless steel, but that material isn't very eco-friendly. Stainless steel starts with iron ore, which must be mined from the earth in large, open-pit mines. Other common materials for new kitchen sinks include porcelain-enameled cast iron, copper and concrete composite. All of these start with non-renewable resources, and even if they are repurposed, they may leach chemicals into the water supply.

Some companies are working hard to minimize their impact on the environment by offering more sustainable options for their customers. ALFI, for example, manufactures high-end fixtures, faucets and sinks using a variety of earth-friendly materials, including clay, wood and bamboo. Its fireclay sinks, crafted in environmentally conscious facilities in Italy and Israel, are thickly glazed to prolong durability.

Many of the same companies that make the most sustainable sinks also offer accessories to go along with them. For example, the Blanco ONE series has a drop-in utensil caddy that can hold a sponge rack, a knife block or a utensil bar. It's a simple way to keep these tools out of the way but close at hand, and it makes it easier to rinse produce or cut vegetables.

Other companies, such as Native Trails, work with artisans around the world to handcraft inspiring, sophisticated kitchen and bath products from natural, sustainably sourced materials like their NativeStone(tm) concrete and recycled copper. Their curved apron-front Quartet sink is available with four installation options and has received the Good Design award.

Some of these eco-friendly kitchen sink accessories are also available for older models, reducing the need to replace the entire sink when a specific part wears out. For example, a stainless steel drain strainer can be purchased for less than $15, while it is sometimes included with the cost of the sink.

Over the Sink Chopping Boards

Whether you are preparing cheese for a dinner party or chopping up vegetables for your next meal, an over the sink cutting board can help you cut down on kitchen prep and keep any juices from running off your bench. These nifty gadgets are available in many different styles and materials, but wooden options are arguably the best for both aesthetics and functionality. They are also hygienic and can protect your knives from damage. Plus, they can be custom-made to ensure they fit correctly over your sink.

Over the sink chopping boards come in a range of materials but wood is the ideal choice for kitchen sink accessories as it has been proven to be more hygienic than plastic and can protect your knives from damage. Plus, the material is durable and can withstand even the most vigorous chopping tasks. Wood also looks good and is easy to clean, so it will continue looking good in your kitchen for years to come.

Another benefit of an over the sink chopping board is that you can make it a dual-purpose accessory by adding a cutout to allow you to push scraps straight into the sink or garbage disposal without having to touch them. This feature can be especially handy if you are working with raw meat or poultry.

You can find a wide selection of over the sink cutting boards in home furnishing stores and online, but if you have a few hours to spare and want to save some money, you can build one yourself. This DIY project is fairly simple, but you will need a variety of tools and materials. Start by choosing a piece of hardwood, such as oak or walnut, and cut it to the size you want for your over-the-sink chopping board.

Once you have your wooden cutting board ready to go, attach rubber feet and a cutting mat. You can buy these accessories separately, but a set such as this from Lipper International is an excellent option. It features a wooden cutting board with six color-coded polypropylene cutting mats that store inside it, keeping them safe from spills and helping to avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you able to DIY a Kitchen Renovation?

Do you want to renovate your kitchen? There are some things you should remember.

First, kitchen renovations can be quite large projects so make sure that you have the energy and time to do it. You should also have basic plumbing and carpentry skills before you begin. You also need to decide which aspects of your kitchen you would like to change, such as adding additional storage space, replacing old appliances, or improving lighting.

After planning your kitchen renovation, you can start shopping for the materials. You will need to decide on cabinets and countertops, flooring, as well as appliances.

This is an excellent idea. This will help you decide how much space your kitchen needs and what type layout would work best.

You have many options for cabinets. There are two choices when it comes to cabinets. You can either choose ready-toassemble (RTA), custom cabinets, or both. RTA cabinets can be made in many styles and colors and are generally less expensive than custom ones.

It is important to take all the necessary precautions to ensure safety and security before you embark on a large-scale project. You might also want to verify the local building codes before you start any major renovations.

While you may be tempted to tackle a large-scale renovation on your own, it is recommended to seek help from professionals. Hiring a contractor who is qualified will save you both time and money. You will also be able to work with professionals to ensure that your project runs smoothly.

What are the key characteristics of an ideal kitchen design?

The ideal kitchen will have plenty of storage and be big enough for entertaining, cooking, cleaning, etc. A well-designed, functional kitchen is also easy to access natural light and ventilation.

What color is best for a white kitchen?

White kitchens can be decorated in many colors, but walnut looks great with it. Natural wood tones will bring warmth to the space and will work well with the other colours. If you're looking for something a little more subtle, black and grey are also great options. You can also choose bright colours like yellow and red if you are looking to make an impact. Whatever your preference, make sure to tie in your decor with it so that the space looks cohesive.

What is the best way to adapt to Vancouver's climate with a white kitchen?

Vancouver homeowners love white kitchens because they bring light into the space and give it a modern feel. However, we don’t get as much sunlight in Metro Vancouver so it’s best for natural elements such as wood to add warmth to the space.

Is there a place for a fridge in the kitchen

The refrigerator is placed between the stovetop/sink. It should be near the cupboards to ensure that you can easily access what you need.

Do you need planning permission for your new kitchen?

Electrical and plumbing permits are required for any changes to the electrical or plumbing locations. You might need a building permit to make structural modifications to your walls.

Before you do any work, make sure you check with your local authority to confirm that you are allowed to use the planning permission.

Statistics

• This is rather grim, but according to Business Insider, 12 percent of couples consider getting a divorce while renovating their home! (familyhandyman.com)
• In large firms, the commission charged by the GC ranges from 15 to 25 percent of the total job cost. (thespruce.com)
• In the Pacific region (Alaska, California, Washington, and Oregon), according to Remodeling Magazine, that same midrange central kitchen remodel jumps to $72,513, and a major upscale kitchen remodels jumps up $11,823 from the national average to $143,333. (hgtv.com)
• Followed by cabinet cost, labour, and appliance costs consume 20 percent each of your budget. (hgtv.com)
• Keep 10 to 25 percent of List 2, depending on the budget. (familyhandyman.com)

External Links

[TAG102]

• Choosing Kitchen Appliances | HGTV


• HGTV - Creating a Kitchen for Entertaining

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• Do's and Don'ts of a First DIY Subway Tile Backsplash


• Create an Open, Craftsman-Style Kitchen (DIY)

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• Cost vs. Valuation 2021


• Cost vs. Value Project: Minor Kitchen Remodel

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• Amazing Kitchen Remodel Ideas that Will Refresh Your House

How To

What is the Cost of Kitchen Remodeling in 2022 These 12 Tips Will Help You Save Money

How much do you need to spend on a new kitchen. The average cost of a kitchen project ranges from $40,000 to $100,000, depending on how ample your space is and what features you want. To get the best price for your home, make sure you have some upgrades in place.

Here are our top 12 ways to cut costs without compromising quality.

1. Appliances for sale secondhand
2. DIY projects
3. Repurpose old furniture
4. Reuse salvaged materials
5. Pros can help you with the job
6. Donate your stuff
7. Sell online
8. Get creative with paint colors
9. Go green
10. Please keep it simple
11. Make it unique
12. Flexibility is key

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